News

Planners to decide roundhouse's fate

A controversial north Pembrokeshire eco home, which has gained support from around the globe, may have to be demolished if refused retrospective planning permission this week.

Officers have recommended refusing a retrospective application to keep the roundhouse near Glandwr, but planning and rights committee members voted to hold a site visit before making a decision.

The application is now due to be discussed by the committee at Tuesday’s meeting.

Charlie Hague and Megan Williams have gained huge support for their fight to keep their unique, self-built roundhouse, but could be forced to tear it down if permission is refused.

The one-bedroom grass-roofed house was built without planning permission, and was issued with an enforcement notice in December 2012.

An appeal was lodged and dismissed in July 2013.

The officers’ report stated: “The proposal represents an unjustified residential development in countryside, contrary to the rural restraint policy of the Local Development Plan.”

The report continued: “Despite its relatively low visual impact, it erodes the rural character of its surroundings and represents an unsustainable form of development in terms of distance from day-to-day facilities.”

Officers also state that the proposal “fails to demonstrate that it constitutes an exception” under the One Planet Development initiative, which looks to enhance environmental quality.”

Megan and Charlie built the house using local materials in Glandwr in 2012, and moved into the house just before their son Eli was born.

A total of 100,000 people have so far signed an online petition supporting the couple’s application to keep their home.